By Chad Miller - Summit FM Music Director

What's everyone been listening to out there? So much new music coming at us, so little time... However, these songs that might fly under the radar to most are what I've been diggin' these past few weeks!

Like what you hear? Please email me at chad@thesummit.fm and let me know what you think!

By Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LISW, Summit Wellness Coordinator

When I listen to Allison Russell’s music, I feel inspired, soothed, and deeply connected—to her story, to the beauty of resilience, and to the healing power of song. Having followed her journey, I’m continually amazed by the joy she radiates on stage, a testament to her resilience and artistry after enduring years of abuse and homelessness. Her story is a powerful reminder of why art and music matter: they offer lessons, transform pain into beauty, and remind us of the strength of the human spirit. 

Russell, a Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, showcases her extraordinary talent as a Black roots artist by seamlessly blending folk, jazz, country, Celtic, klezmer, and blues into a unique and evocative sound. Born in Montreal to a teenage Scottish-Canadian mother, her Grenadian father—who was on a temporary student visa—left before she was born. Russell endured foster care and severe abuse at the hands of her American stepfather. At 15, she fled her home, finishing high school while living on the streets and finding refuge in the folk music scenes of Montreal and Vancouver. 

In 2019, Russell joined Our Native Daughters, a banjo-driven collective dedicated to exploring the legacies of race, slavery, and resilience. The group, which also included acclaimed artists Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah, created music that reclaims and reimagines the narratives of Black women throughout history. Around the same time, Russell reconnected with her Grenadian father, a reunion that prompted her to delve into her family’s painful history with slavery. This deeply personal journey inspired her to write the haunting and powerful song "Quasheba, Quasheba," which tells the story of one of her ancestors. 

That same year, she began crafting songs for Outside Child, a deeply personal album addressing her childhood trauma. Released in 2021 to critical acclaim, the album made her the first black artist in Canadia to win a Juno award for Contemporary Roots Album. Her follow-up album, The Returner, recorded in Los Angeles, marked a joyful shift in her music, earning four Grammy nominations and winning Best American Roots Performance for the single "Eve Was Black." 

Did you know that Allison Russell also performed live at Studio C at the Summit FM with her early band, Birds of Chicago, in 2018? That performance was a glimpse into the artistry that would later flourish into her solo career—a career that not only shares her journey of survival and healing but also demonstrates how art can transform pain into profound beauty and inspiration.  

This video is one of my favorites—it brings me both joy and tears with its beautiful intersectionality and powerful truth-telling. 

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Released in the spring of 1982, 'The Golden Age of Wireless' introduced Thomas Dolby to a waiting world. The man, and his music, seemed a perfect fit for the coming era, but it would take a while for him to find a firm footing.

Rewinding the tape a bit back to the late 1970s, Thomas Dolby was an inspired young musician with an eye on the future of pop music. He joined a promising young band called Bruce Wooley & the Camera Club. I will assume this name means nothing to most, and that's a shame as they were a fantastic little combo. Led by singer/songwriter Bruce Wooley, they signed a record deal and released their debut LP, 'English Garden' in 1979. They combined energetic pop music with modern flair and a futuristic bend. The album was released in a slightly altered form in America and, though promoted well, failed to ignite any response. Interestingly, it would prove to be a great launchpad for nearly everyone in the band except their namesake.

Other band members included Matthew Seligman on bass, who would go on to hook up with Robyn Hitchcock in the Soft Boys and Robyn's solo bands. Other notable band members were Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, with whom Wooley co-wrote the mega-hit 'Video Killed the Radio Star,' the original version of which is on the LP. Downes and Horne split the band to join Yes and become the Buggles, among other things. The keyboardist in this group was none other than Thomas Dolby, who was also finding his own voice. He too left the band initially forming a new band called the Fallout Club, then joining up with Lene Lovich writing her hit 'New Toy,' 

Needing money to finance his recordings and not adverse to session work, he found himself in NYC providing synths for the album '4' by Foreigner. The lush intro to the hit 'Waiting for A Girl Like You' was all Dolby. The work helped the cash flow, and he continued working on what was to become his debut, 'The Golden Age of Wireless.'

The original UK release would be altered significantly once released in the U.S. on the Harvest imprint. Leaving off the more experimental instrumental 'The Wreck of the Fairchild' and replacing it with both sides of the single 'Urges' and 'Leipzig' added a more pop vibe, as did repositioning the highly catchy 'Europa And The Pirate Twins'; as the opening track. College radio jumped on the album making 'Europa; and 'Radio Silence' left of the dial favorites in 1982. Capitol, the distributor of Harvest in the US, was very happy with the momentum the album was receiving and his follow up single was to become his breakthrough.

'She Blinded Me With Science' wasn't released until the fall of 1982, some six months after the LP's release. Once issued, however, the ultra-catchy tune took off, reaching number 5 in America and number one in Canada and scoring top twenty around the globe except, for some reason, in his native England where it stalled out at 56. The video, on heavy rotation via MTV, certainly helped its hit status in America. The problem for Capitol was, despite it being a hit, it wasn't on the album. So the brainiacs at the label decided to alter the album one more time, making the 12" single version of 'She Blinded Me With Science' the lead-off track and removing the two they tagged on, to begin with, 'Urges' and 'Leipzig.' Eventually a third edition would appear that swapped out a remake of the song' Radio Silence' for the original version. Got that now?!

However you want to slice it, it's a batch of clever songs set in the early 1980s, though in listening today, don't sound bogged down by the technology choices of the era. If anything, the record benefits from its 80s gloss as it was pointing directions to the future of pop music. Tomas Dolby has maintained an interesting career that has linked him to everyone from Def Leppard to David Bowie and the Thompson Twins to Joni Mitchell. He has not released any new material since 2011. Some records are trapped in the era from which they came, others can transcend that and stand on their own, this is one of those.

By Summit FM Contrinbutor Dr. Tom Olbrych

Our sense of self is often driven by expectations: expectations placed on us by parents, teachers, employers, society, professional and personal partners, and ourselves. Additionally, our perception of the world may be tainted by these expectations.

Life is grand, as long as these expectations are met to our satisfaction, but resentments grow from unmet expectations. Resentments may then lead to disillusionment with our job, our relationships with colleagues and coworkers, and with our neighbors, friends and family. 

Life potentially devolves into a drudgery, expectations unsatisfied, perceived wants and needs unfulfilled. 

By replacing expectation with hope it is possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the resentments that arise from dashed expectations: “I hope I win the lottery,” “I hope the weather is good tomorrow,” “I hope I play well on the upcoming golf trip,” “I hope my children are happy,” “I hope my spouse loves me as much as I love her.” 

If I expect these things, I set myself up for disappointment if such expectations are unrealized. If I hope for them, they may not materialize, but if they do come to pass: double bonus! Remember the quote from Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption: "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Inspired by the likes of the Kinks, the Sonics, and raw blues, the Stooges formed in 1967 but remained somewhat dormant until Pop experienced an inspiring moment. After seeing the Doors, everything changed. "I just thought, well, this is so brazen, there is no excuse for us not to do it anymore," he said in a 1995 interview. Originally called the Psychedelic Stooges, the band made their public debut on Halloween of 1967 and quickly became friends with fellow Detroit rockers the MC5, sharing the stage with them and helping to build the legend and legacy of the Detroit scene of the late '60s. It was the MC5 who helped push the Stooges further. When Danny Fields was scouting the MC5 for Elektra Records, they famously told him, "If you like us, you'll love our little brother band," referring to the Stooges. In the end, Fields signed both bands for a bargain-bin price of $25,000: $20,000 for the MC5 and $5,000 for the Stooges.

Though a more psychedelic and meandering tendency bogged down the band's initial attack, they quickly fine-tuned things into the attack they would be forever known for. The band shaped their debut with former Velvet Underground member John Cale acting as producer. As recording progressed, they soon realized they were short on salvageable material. At some point, label president Jac Holzman told the band they had five days to get it together. In that time, they came up with the album's second half, including 'Real Cool Time,' 'Not Right,' and 'Little Doll.' Elsewhere, 'Ann' was reworked from an earlier incarnation, and the eerie ten-minute lysergic drone 'We Will Fall' shone a light on the band's more experimental side.

History tells the true tale here. Though it seemed like a good match on paper, John Cale's initial album mix lacked the punch and power needed. Elektra rejected the mix, and Holzman returned to the studio with Iggy to remix the whole thing. That is the version we have known for years. Those original Cale mixes would ultimately surface on an anniversary re-master as bonus material. While those versions are interesting, they made the right choice back in 1969. 8 songs clocking in at just over a half hour, ten minutes of which was 'We Will Fall,' made for a take no prisoners attack.

Songs like 'I Wanna Be Your Dog,' '1969,' and ‘No Fun' set the standard for any band eager to disrupt the norm, from the Ramones to the White Stripes and beyond. Their attitude and aggression were unlike anything else at the time. The MC5 certainly brought energy, but they were more polished musicians and performers. The Stooges were simply punks with guitars and drums, featuring a raw talent front and center. Iggy was relentless in his style and delivery. 

While Iggy drew heavily from Jim Morrison, he distilled it down to a more primal essence. The intellectual nuances of Morrison are replaced by a caveman aesthetic—admittedly, a very articulate and intelligent caveman, but devoid of any clichéd pretense of 'art.' Even where the Stooges borrowed significantly from James Brown's showmanship, they simply threw it all on the floor and picked it up as they went. And let’s not overlook the raw and distinctive guitar style of Ron Asheton, with his brother Scott pounding the drums into submission and Dave Alexander's jazz-inspired, flowing bass. Unfortunately, Iggy is the last man standing.

In the instant information age, it's difficult to explain how new, strange, and groundbreaking someone like Iggy was. You would hear stories of his behavior or read about an incident in Creem Magazine, but it was a legend being pieced together. An interesting side note pops to mind here: Three of the most unique frontmen in rock and roll—Peter Gabriel, Steven Tyler, and Iggy Pop — all started out as drummers. Talk about cutting loose once free!

Of course, the album sold poorly, but Elektra held onto them for a second album, the even more mind-blowing 'Funhouse,' released in 1970, which is where everything was firing on all cylinders, making it truly one of the greatest rock and roll albums ever made. The self-titled 1969 debut remains hugely important. It was ground zero for many bands that followed and more intense than most of what it would inspire. They didn't break the mold with Iggy; he broke it himself and never looked back. The Stooges’ debut was primal, inspirational, brutal, and essential.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Peter Hammill
"Nadir's Big Chance"
(1975 - Charisma Records)
Released 50 Years Ago This Month 

"Peter Hammill is great. A true original, I've just liked him for years," John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten said in a 1978 Capital Radio interview. "If you listen to him, his solo albums, I'm damn sure Bowie copied a lot out of that geezer. The credit he deserves just has not been given to him. I love all his stuff." Lydon let loose this praise after playing two Hammill songs on the air, 'The Institute Of Mental Health, Burning' and 'Nobody's Business,' both from the 1975 LP 'Nadir's Big Chance.' Lydon had been invited on the radio to talk about his new band, Public Image Limited, and promote an upcoming concert. He also picked songs by Lou Reed, Can, Peter Tosh, Captain Beefheart, and Neil Young, among others.

To the casual music enthusiast, the name Peter Hammill likely means nothing, ditto his groundbreaking band Van Der Graaf Generator. To those who may be familiar, it might have seemed odd that this 'face' of punk rock would be championing a Prog rock genius like Hammill, but dig a little deeper, and it all makes sense.

1967, the seed from which so much would spring, was a Technicolor year full of amazing music, style, and ideas. For many of a certain age, those ideas would transform their musical and personal lives into other previously unexplored worlds. The psychedelic floodgates had opened, eventually leading to the storms of the progressive rock movement, with King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator being among the first in line to try and expand on the ideas set in motion by the Beatles, Hendrix, and others.

Unlike much of what would be wedged into cliché progressive rock territory, Crimson, and VDGG never let the flowers grow over the jagged rocks in the garden, but rather, let them all have their place. The music Hammill and company would create on their first four albums was challenging, complex, and in your face. That's not to say they were void of delicacy and beauty, but the harsh, sometimes ugly other side of the coin was given equal time.  No time for gnomes either, as Hammill's lyrics were often drawn from personal emotions and situations rather than Tolkien tales. Their music was, and remains, a challenge for many to listen to. Songs like 'Killer,' 'White Hammer,' and 'Lemmings' were at times brutal in their aggressiveness, while the side-long 'A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers' was never for the faint of heart. Because of that, the band built a devoted cult following across the globe, especially in Italy, where their 'Pawn Hearts' album topped the Italian charts in 1971, and their concerts were sold-out scenes of riots.

Following that tour and album, Hamill broke up the band, saying it had all gotten too intense. He had already released one solo album, the much more focused and melodic 'Fools Mate,' and kept on a solo path until late 1974 when he called in the band to back him on a new solo album. This would soon lead to a full-on revitalization of the band through the end of the 1970s. The album he had them play on would be unlike anything else in his solo or band catalog. Gone were the complexities, odd time signatures, long songs and anything resembling the heyday of progressive rock (though some elements would return with the band on their following releases). In place was a back-to-basics approach, connected to the beat groups so many had initially been inspired by but plugged into a whole other level. For some, this is where the idea of 'punk rock' first shows its face. That being said, much of the music here also has an equal sonic connection to the ‘post-punk’ stylings of bands like Magazine, Ultravox, and early Siouxsie & the Banshees.

Obviously, it's not that simple, and there are more intricate things happening: saxophones, backwards guitars, harmonies, and so on, but it's all assembled in a unique way. Recorded in December 1974, the LP hit shops in early February 1975. The very idea of recording and releasing ASAP was front and center as Hammill wanted to capture that bolt of inspiration while hot, and he and the band most certainly did. 

Opening the album is the title track, centering on the fictitious character of Rikki Nadir, an attitude-filled rocker and, some have said, alter ego for Hammill. The song is angry, in your face, and full of energy lacking in much of the music of the era. "The song Nadir itself, if not exactly a blueprint, fits in entirely with the ethos of '76 and '77," Hammill told Record Collector in 1993, "precisely in chord structure - and attitude, come to that." He rants against the superficial aspects of the pop and glam world of the day.

‘The Institute of Mental Health, Burning' is art rock with attitude, while 'Open Your Eyes' is a stomping rocker with the always excellent sax work of David Jackson in the spotlight. 'Nobody's Business' wields a metallic clang and venomous punk vocal long before the Bay City Pistols even made the papers. Not unlike Roxy Music on steroids! Next, a sharp turn with a soulful ballad, 'Been Alone So Long,' one of Hammill's finest ballads, something he was always so good with. 

'Pompeii' carries a very Lou Reed vibe, while the acoustic-driven 'The Shingle Song' and the majestic 'Airport' keep the listener guessing where things are headed next, with each adding different colors to the canvas. Next up is a re-recording of one of Hammill's earliest songs, 'People You Were Going To.' originally recorded for their debut single back in early 1969. The version here is much tougher and self-assured and makes more sense with this material.

It's the next song that truly tears the roof off. 'Birthday Special' is the most 'punk' sounding of the batch, so perfect in its simplicity and execution, it's almost not worth going into detail save to say, in many ways, it was a blueprint for what was to come. It simply sounds so unlike 1974. It is like prime Who meets all that was around the bend. Just listen to Hammill's voice! So full of attitude! In fact, he even went as far as to say it was "attitude, rather than the music" that 'Nadir' really set in place for the punks. The album ends with the sublime 'Two or Three Specters,' capping an LP unlike anything else in the Hammill catalog, and it is a very massive catalog, one that continues to this day.

From the original LP liner notes, Hamill concedes that the Nadir character is simply a part of him that he had wanted to let loose. "An ice blue Stratocaster, spinning through space, Nadir crashing his way through distorted three chord wonders. The anarchic presence of Nadir - this loud, aggressive, perpetual sixteen year old has temporary yet complete dominion, and I can only submit gladly and play his music - the beefy punk songs, the weepy ballads, the soul struts. With the state the world in, there's always room for another Nadir."

I first fell in love with this album back in the early 80s, already well aware of VDGG, but not having dove into his solo work. This changed all that and turned me from fan into obsessed fan. I love how some music can do that. Sometimes, it's the right song or album catching you at the right time, other times it’s much more involved, but it’s always about that connection to the listener. Of course, it may not hit you the way it has always hit me, (certainly one of my favorite albums ever) but, if nothing else, perhaps it will get you to turn up the volume and enjoy!

By Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LISW, Summit Wellness Coordinator

Mid-winter is here, bringing crisp air, twinkling frost, and shorter days that invite us to slow down. While the cold and darkness can sometimes leave us feeling drained, nature is giving us a gentle nudge to rest, recharge, and embrace a different rhythm. This seasonal slowdown—often called wintering—is a chance to reflect, reset, and find comfort in the little things. (Curious about the idea? There are some great books on the topic!)

If winter’s chill has you feeling sluggish or low, you’re not alone. But there are plenty of ways to brighten your mood and keep your spirits up:

🌞 Let in the Light – Sit by a sunny window, take a bundled-up stroll, or try a light therapy box for a boost.

💡 Check Your Health – A quick visit to your healthcare provider can ensure your vitamin levels (especially Vitamin D) are where they should be.

🎶 Turn Up the Music – Play your favorite tunes to lift your energy or create a calming playlist for cozy moments.

🎨 Get Creative – Paint, knit, write, cook—whatever sparks joy and brings warmth to your days.

🛌 Balance Rest with Movement – Give yourself permission to slow down, but don’t forget that gentle movement, like stretching or a short walk, can do wonders.

📞 Stay Connected – Reach out to loved ones, plan a game night, or join a group—community makes the season brighter.

Wintering doesn’t mean going it alone. By taking small, intentional steps, you can find warmth and joy even on the coldest days. And if your low mood lingers, reaching out for support is always a smart choice.

Looking for resources? Your local ADM Board is here to help. If you’re in Summit County, visit admboard.org for support.

Celebrate Ohio's Rich Musical Legacy at the 
8^th Annual Summit FM 330 Day Concert
A Special Night of “Ohio Greatest Hits” at the Akron Civic Theatre

The Summit FM is proud to present the 8th annual 330 Day Concert on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Akron Civic Theatre. This year’s event promises to be a memorable one, featuring an exciting lineup of beloved 330-area musicians performing iconic hits by legendary Ohio artists.

The 330 Day Concert, a free, all-ages event, celebrates the vibrant music scene in Northeast Ohio, focusing on the rich local talent that defines the region. This year’s concert will feature 330 favorites performing covers of hit songs by Ohio legends such as Devo, The Black Keys, The James Gang, John Legend, Walk the Moon, The Pretenders, Nine Inch Nails, Tracy Chapman, Michael Stanley, and many more.

The Summit FM invites you to this exciting, one-night-only performance where twenty-plus local artists will unite to honor Ohio’s musical heritage. The event will also feature an eleven-piece house band, providing the perfect backing to these one-of-a-kind performances.

“We’re beyond excited about this year’s 330 Day Concert,” said Mark Greer, Executive Director of Akron 200. “As part of the Akron Bicentennial calendar, there’s no better way to celebrate our amazing musical legacy than with many of the iconic hits that put Akron and Ohio on the musical map.”

Featured Performers:

• Alex Bevan
• Anya Van Rose
• Brian Lisik
• Candace Campana
• Carlos Jones
• Cody J. Martin
• Don Dixon
• Emily Bates (The Shootouts)
• Hannah Crandall (Truss)
• Jackie Popovic (The Vindys)
• JD Eicher
• Jeff Klemm
• Jeri Sapronetti
• Katy Robinson
• Lauren Brabson
• Marc Lee Shannon
• Michael Weber
• Ryan Humbert (The Shootouts)
• Shanna Delaney (By Light We Loom)
• Tracey Thomas
• Willis Gordon

The eleven-piece house band will feature John Anthony (The Vindys) and Erin Vaughn on guitar, Kevin Martinez on bass, Tim Longfellow on keys, Dylan Gomez on Drums, Justin Tibbs on Saxophone, Mark Russo on Trumpet, as well as Klemm, Brabson, Humbert, and Bates on backing vocals. 

“The Summit FM takes great pride in producing The 330 Concert right here in our hometown of Akron, especially during the bicentennial celebration,” said Summit FM General Manager Tommy Bruno, “While this event is exciting, it represents just one day in our nearly 40-year legacy of discovering and championing local music talent – past, present and future.”

The concert will be held at the Akron Civic Theatre, an iconic, historic venue in the heart of downtown Akron. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, and music will start at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, but a $10 suggested donation will be collected to support The Summit’s mission of promoting local talent and commercial-free music. 

Preferred seating is provided for Summit FM members, who can RSVP through an exclusive event link sent via email.

In 2015, the cities of Akron, Youngstown, and Canton officially declared March 30 as “330 Day” in recognition of The Summit and their local music-only radio station, The330.net. 

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM, music starts at 6:00 PM
• Location: Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
• Admission: Free with a $10 suggested donation
• All Ages Welcome

The Summit FM would like to thank the Ohio Arts Council, the City of Akron Bicentennial, Stella Artois, Woodsy's Music, Eddie's Famous Cheesesteaks, and Summit member Ken Robinson for supporting this event. 

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

RIP Marianne Faithfull (December 29, 1946 - January 30, 2025)

Of all the amazing female artists in the history of rock and roll music, there are few quite as intriguing, captivating, or simply beautiful, as Marianne Faithfull. She has long been a tower of strength, and her journey has been a long and interesting trek through a variety of musical and human adventures. To many, she is instantly remembered as this striking young woman who won the heart of a young Mick Jagger, and became half of one of rock and roll's most celebrated couples in the mid-1960s. While her recording career ran side by side to that of The Rolling Stones, and her first hit, 'As Tears Go By,' was a Jagger/Richards composition, Faithfull was always her own musical soul in search of her own expression.

Initially discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who thought he could make her a pop star, she signed to the Decca/London label, and between 1965 and 1967, issued a total of seven albums and ten singles, four of which cracked the Top 10. Over the course of those records, she tried her hand at pure pop, folk, a more sophisticated style of pop, and a tinge of psychedelia. Her voice was pure and honest throughout, despite a slight lack of identity at times. During this time frame as well, her life took a major turn, as she became romantically involved with Jagger, a relationship that would both benefit and damage her.

Covering songs by Jackie DeShannon, Bacharach/David, Jagger/Richards, and Tony Hatch, her 1965 debut was classic British pop, but by her second offering, 'Come My Way,' she was off on a musical adventure of her own. With songwriter Jon Mark, the duo reworked an album's worth of traditional folk songs. This approach would follow on her third LP, 'North Country Maid,' which also included compositions from Donovan and Bert Jansch. Her fourth and final album of the '60s, 'Love In A Mist,' would draw from both pop and folk influences.

By 1968, she had somewhat backed away from her music career, though it was a 1969 single that would forever change the way people viewed and understood Faithfull in musical terms. Decca issued a single, 'Something Better,' written by Brill Building mainstays Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin, to promote a best of album, 'The World Of Marianne Faithfull.' It was, however, the B-side that caught attention. 'Sister Morphine,' co-written by Faithfull with Jagger and Richards, made its first appearance on her solo single, with her vocal, nearly two years before The Rolling Stones would issue their version on 'Sticky Fingers.' The record biz, being the cruel and questionable place it was (is), failed to give her credit for the song upon the U.S. release. This issue was not rectified until the early 1990s!

For the next decade, Faithfull only recorded two albums. 'Dreamin’ My Dreams,' in 1976 (later reissued as 'Faithless’) and 'Rich Kid Blues,' recorded in 1971, with songs by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Phil Ochs, Cat Stevens, and others. A phenomenal album that, for legal reasons, remained unreleased until 1985.

It was, however, in 1979 when Faithfull found her true voice with the release of the legendary 'Broken English' album. Combining elements of new wave, reggae, and electronic music, it helped put her music in clubs around the world, while it earned the most glowing reviews of her recording career. "As bracingly full of venom and spite as anything her punk admirers could muster,“ and “from a sweet pop star to a legitimate rock songstress who is both mature and empowering, while the album itself being a masterpiece."

The musically adventurous album is also a no holds barred lyrical trip, with zero censorship. I mean, zero! The lyrics to the LP's final track, 'Why'd You Do It?' were so explicit in its description of an affair, that workers at the EMI plant walked out, refusing to press the album. The song still resonates, and shocks, today. It is possibly the most vicious flip off song ever recorded. You think Taylor Swift, Beyonce, or any of these other prancing little pop stars have attitude? You have no idea!

Released 45 years ago this year, 'Broken English' was a definite turning point in her development as an artist. “I made a decision to really, completely give my heart to the whole thing, and that’s what happened," she told the Guardian. "I was quite smart enough to realize that I had a lot to learn. You know, I didn’t go to Oxford, but I went to Olympic Studios and watched the Rolling Stones record, and I watched the Beatles record as well. I watched the best people working and how they worked and, because of Mick, I guess, I watched people writing, too – a brilliant artist at the top of his game. I watched how he wrote and I learned a lot, and I will always be grateful.” The title track became a club hit and critical triumph.

She would remain musically active and adventurous through the 80s and 90s, performing with everything from a jazz combo to a rock band to an orchestra. She would hit a genuine gold streak in the 2000s with albums like 'Before The Poison,' 'Horses And High Heels,' 'Give My Love To London,' and 'Negative Capability,' many of which she teamed up with members of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, who proved to be perfect musical companions to where Marianne was at. The world weariness of her voice went to suit the songs, and her performances, better with age.

Throughout her life, she has battled everything thrown at her, from being berated by the press in the UK, to dealing with the male rock and roll ego, and the complications of the music industry, not to mention a serious heroin addiction that left her homeless at one point. There was also a battle in later years with cancer, Hepatitis C, a broken hip, depression, and lastly, a serious battle with Covid, which, sadly, left damage to her lungs and, therefore, making singing a difficult task at this point. Her most recent album, 'She Walks In Beauty,' from 2021, featured her own reading of some of her favorite poems, with musical accompaniment from Warren Ellis, of the Bad Seeds. Marianne Faithfull was and still is a tower of strength, with battle scars and a vast catalog of music to prove it. An eternally interesting songstress and human being, her story is one of strength, survival, and sonic adventure. "I don’t know why I believe in miracles. I just do," she surmised. "Maybe I have to, the journey I’ve been on, the things that I’ve put myself through, that I’ve got through so far and I’m OK.” One of a kind and just as cool, if not cooler, than her male counterparts and companions, Marianne Faithfull shines on.